The Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce’s Community Partner Program establishes a rating system (one to three stars) to recognize local organizations, businesses and industries that go above and beyond in their investment, promotion and contributions to the community, according to a chamber news release.

Businesses and organizations may apply annually for the program, and must meet several requirements. They must be a member of the chamber of commerce in good standing, display a clean, organized and well-maintained facility, offer health and wellness programs to employees, establish recycling programs to reduce their environmental footprint, have employees who volunteer at local community nonprofit organizations and/or mentoring programs, they must participate in community events, meet a certain percentage of employees who live in Clark County, participate in local training and professional development opportunities and actively seek employees who have the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) as well as veterans.

The organizations that took part in the program and earned two stars include:

— Winchester YMCA, 645 Westmeade Drive, a chapter of the nationwide YMCA organization. The YMCA is the nation’s leading nonprofit with centers in numerous communities to facilitate learning, growth and partnership.

— Winchester Municipal Utilities, 150 N. Main St., operates all of the city’s garbage, water and sewer services.

Organizations that received a one-star rating include:

— Kentucky Bank, 24 W. Lexington Ave., is a publicly-traded company headquartered in Paris with 17 branches in 11 communities across the state. 

— Hamon Haven Winery is a family-owned business that produces eight hand-crafted wines. The winery has been in operation since 2014.

— The College for Technical Education, 2135 Bypass Road, is a school to provide education and support that will enable students to obtain lifelong careers in personally rewarding occupations. The Winchester campus is a school of cosmetology. 

— The Clark County Homeless Coalition at Wainscott Hall, 19 Wainscott Ave., provides transitional shelter for men, women and families in the Clark County area.

Each CPP rating is awarded for two years, and applicants must reapply after two years to continue as a CPP.